BEER Primary School pupils are spinning with anticipation after it was announced the South West Bike Academy will be visiting them in the run up to the Tour of Britain. The academy s visit to the school on Tuesday, September 15 is designed to encourage ch

BEER Primary School pupils are spinning with anticipation after it was announced the South West Bike Academy will be visiting them in the run up to the Tour of Britain.

The academy's visit to the school on Tuesday, September 15 is designed to encourage children to take up cycling or to cycle more often and team manager David Walters along with the riders will be helping to promote this aim.

Devon County Council and Somerset County Council are hosting the South West stages of the Tour of Britain, which cover 346 km of the two counties.

Mr Walters said: "We're proud to represent the South West as a cycle racing team, but we also want to promote cycling in general and our link with Devon and Somerset County Councils is helping us to do that.

"I'm delighted that we're able to help enthuse local children about cycling as a pastime, a sport and a form of transport that has so many benefits."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "These visits are great for the children as the excitement builds up for the start of The Tour of Britain.

"The pupils will be meeting some of the best young riders in the south west and it brings cycling and cycle racing to life for them.

"We want Devon to be a cycling county and hopefully it will help the pupils discover the pleasure of cycling and its benefits for their health and the environment.

"It could help create a new generation of cyclists and, you never know, it may even inspire a youngster from Devon to ride in The Tour of Britain one day.